Names That Mean Cheerful

Alana

Feminization of Alan, Irish; variation of Ilana, Hebrew; Gaelic; Hawaiian

"handsome, rock; oak tree; child; awakening"

Alana, in all its various spellings, was at one time reserved for daughters of dads named Alan, but is now much more widespread. It came into prominence via model/actress/celeb spouse Alana Hamilton…

Alanna

Variation of Alana

"handsome, cheerful"

The extra n makes it feel less like an feminization of Alan and more like a name unto itself. Alanna is more common in Puerto Rico than the original Alana.

Bonnie

Scottish

"beautiful, cheerful"

Bonnie is an adorable nickname name, heading back up the popularity list after a 50-year nap. A Top 100 girls' name throughout the rest of the English-speaking world, Americans are later to jump on…

Tate

Norse

"cheerful"

Though Tate is used almost exclusively for boys, we can see Tate as a stronger surname alternative to Kate or a clipped form of Tatum.

Alyanna

variation of Alanna

"handsome, cheerful"

The addition of the letter "y" gives this a nice, rhythmic Russian feel.

Alanis

Female variation of Alan

"handsome, cheerful"

Singer Alanis Morissette made this twist famous. She was named for her father Alan, who is said to have spotted this version in a Greek newspaper. So far it has been pretty much a one-person name,…

Hillary

Latin from Greek

"happy, cheerful"

Hillary is a lovely name that, for the moment at least, is tightly bound to an individual with a strong image: Hillary Clinton. Whatever your feelings about Mrs. Clinton, her fame now dominates the…

Allena

Female variation of Allen or Alana, Irish

"handsome, cheerful"

Allena may feel like a somewhat antiquated feminization, though Allen itself is a tad old-fashioned. In many ways, Allena -- pronounced ah-LEN-ah -- feels more appealing that Alana or ah-LAH-ah.

Hilaria

Latin, Spanish

"cheerful"

Hilaria, the ancient Roman form of Hilary also given to joyous festivals, is still used in Spain and Poland, while the intriguing Italian version is Ilaria. A notable current bearer is fitness expert…

Alacrity

Latin

"brisk and cheerful readiness"

Allaire

French surname, possibly meaning "cheerful"

"cheerful"

Allaire, a last name in France. could make a first, with its light and airy feel.